Where The Newspaper Stands

September 24, 2002

TNCC

Bond will benefit local school

With election day just a few weeks away, the voting public is being presented with opportunities to learn about the $900 million general obligation bond package for higher education construction needs that comes up for a vote on Nov. 5.

That's a mouthful, but behind it lies an opportunity for voters -- and you'll need to register by Oct. 7, if you haven't yet done so -- to give a huge boost to higher education in Virginia. Who benefits? Everyone. Everyone, that is, who has children or grandchildren who are headed to two- or four-year colleges in Virginia. Or works for or with organizations that hire Virginia college graduates. Or lives in communities that draw many of their leaders from the ranks of Virginia college and university alumni.

The benefits will come close to home for thousands of local residents who take advantage of the programs offered by Thomas Nelson Community College. One of 23 colleges in the statewide community college system, TNCC stands to receive more than $22 million of the $159 million pegged for two-year colleges as part of the bond package. Of that, $17.7 million is earmarked for construction of a Historic Triangle campus in Williamsburg, where TNCC currently serves 1,500 students. The new facility will bring together in one place classes that are now scattered over nearly a dozen separate locations. It's one of the largest community college projects proposed for funding through bonds.

Enrollment has grown steadily since TNCC opened in 1968. This year's figures show an almost 4 percent increase over last year's, when Thomas Nelson served close to 12,000 students. By 2010, the college expects to be serving a whopping 15,000 students.

The stated mission of the Virginia Community College System is "to provide comprehensive higher education and work force training programs and services of superior quality that are financially and geographically accessible and that meet individual, business and community needs of the Commonwealth." At TNCC, this mission comes to life in several ways. Its open admissions policy welcomes anyone 18 years and older with a high school diploma. It reaches out beyond its campus, offering distance learning programs in a dozen disciplines, including information systems technology, chemistry, photography and Spanish.

TNCC is also a force for economic growth through programs that develop the skilled work force that attracts employers to the region, and custom-tailored training programs that give businesses a competitive edge. The school's Office of Work Force Training and Continuing Education served more than 1,000 employers and 9,000 workers last year. TNCC also offers certificate programs for 39 career-study programs.

The benefits of the bond referendum will go well beyond the students at Virginia colleges and universities. The Virginia Community College System estimates that the bond issue will produce a $1.5 billion boost to Virginia's economy through 2008 by creating new jobs in construction-related industries, and in the expansion and relocation of businesses to Virginia because of work force development.

Voters will have a chance on Nov. 5 to vote for a referendum that will benefit both thousands of residents and the region's economy. It is, like TNCC itself, a great deal.

Brass Shop

Banking on downtown Hampton

In the swirl of controversy over Hampton's big economic development picture, it would be easy to ignore the little stories.

The economic health of a city isn't just dependent on mega-projects, financed by bonds and assembled by big-name developers. And it isn't just the economy: The character of a town is shaped in large measure by the people who put down roots and grow their businesses there. They are the warp and woof that weave together a community's way of life; they determine the feel and fortunes of the place.

The future of Hampton doesn't just depend on the Cordish Co. and Bass Pro and Embassy Suites and, obviously, Kmart. It depends on individuals who believe in their city enough to risk their own money. It depends on people who see an opportunity, develop a business to seize that opportunity, and plow their profits back into the place they call home. And when their business isn't a chain but has that distinct local touch, it helps give a community its unique flavor.